The short version
- Three individuals have been charged in federal court for allegedly threatening a judge, a witness, and local government offices connected to the investigation into Nolan Wells' death.
- The threats emerged during a period of heightened public speculation and distrust regarding the circumstances surrounding Wells' disappearance and subsequent discovery off the Mississippi coast.
- No arrests have been made in connection with Wells' death itself, and an independent autopsy commissioned by his family has listed the cause of death as undetermined pending further review.
Federal prosecutors have filed charges against three individuals for allegedly making threats against key figures involved in the investigation into the death of Nolan Xavier Wells. The defendants, who reside in Illinois, Ohio, and California, are accused of targeting a judge, a witness, and local law enforcement offices. These actions occurred against a backdrop of intense public scrutiny and widespread speculation regarding the circumstances that led to the 18-year-old’s death off the coast of Mississippi.
Wells, a Black teenager, traveled to an uninhabited island near the Gulf Coast on July Fourth with a group of white high school friends. He did not return to the mainland with his peers that evening. His body was discovered two days later in the waters surrounding the island. The case has drawn significant attention due to the uncertainty surrounding Wells' final hours and broader concerns about law enforcement accountability in the region.
One of the defendants, Edward James Porter of Illinois, faces charges related to threats made against a witness and their family members. According to court affidavits, Porter allegedly called an unnamed witness on July 31, threatening to kill them and their relatives. He reportedly told another individual in Mississippi that he would dismember them and place the remains in a suitcase. Family attorney Russell Latino confirmed that Porter threatened two members of the family of Bart Edminston Jr., who knew Wells and assisted with the boat used during the trip.
A second defendant, Michelle Francine Edwards from Ohio, was charged with placing bomb threats at government offices. Affidavits indicate she called the George County Chancery Clerk's Office and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office on July 23. She allegedly made 21 calls to the clerk's office, stating that 'the clock is ticking.' These actions targeted institutions directly involved in processing legal matters related to the investigation.
The third defendant, Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce of California, was charged for sending a threatening message to a judge. On July 9, Judge Ashlee Cole posted a screenshot of the message on social media, which allegedly threatened to mail a bomb to her office. The charge was filed in federal court on July 14. Cole has stated that she deactivated her social media accounts due to fears for her children's safety.
Judge Cole’s son was present with Wells on the island and provided information to investigators. In public statements, Cole emphasized that her family is not attempting to hinder the investigation or obstruct law enforcement efforts. She noted that her son cooperated fully with the sheriff's office and that the family remains committed to seeking answers regarding Wells' death.
Authorities have not yet made any arrests or named suspects in connection with Wells' actual death. An independent autopsy commissioned by Wells' family concluded that the cause of death is currently undetermined, pending further investigation. This lack of definitive findings has fueled ongoing speculation and distrust among community members who are demanding transparency from officials.
The three individuals charged with making threats do not appear to have personal connections to Wells, his family, or the boating group. They are also not part of the official investigation team. Attempts by reporters to reach the defendants for comment were unsuccessful, as phone numbers listed in affidavits were inactive or unanswered, and emails went unreturned. It remains unclear whether they have retained legal counsel.
The case highlights the volatile intersection of public grief, racial history, and digital harassment in modern investigations. The threats against judicial and law enforcement personnel underscore the challenges faced by officials working on high-profile cases involving minority victims. As the investigation continues, authorities must balance the need for transparency with the safety of those involved in the legal process.
Federal charges in this matter signal a serious response to intimidation tactics aimed at disrupting justice proceedings. The Southern District of Mississippi is handling the prosecutions related to the threats. Meanwhile, the search for answers regarding Nolan Wells' death continues, with families and community members awaiting further developments from both local law enforcement and independent medical reviews.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- PBS NewsHour↗3 charged with threatening judge, witness and officials in Nolan Wells investigation
